Harmison can hurt the Australians, says Vaughan

Colin Crompton
Wednesday 15 July 2009 00:00 BST
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Michael Vaughan, the former England captain, has urged the selectors to pick Durham's fast bowler Steve Harmison for the second Ashes Test at Lord's this week, even if Andrew Flintoff plays.

Flintoff had a precautionary scan yesterday on his right knee, which was operated on earlier this year, and could be forced to sit out the second Test. "I think [Harmison] will play," Vaughan said. "I've a sneaky suspicion Freddie might not be fit. I know knees. I've studied knees for 10 years because of my own [knee problems]. But I'd be tempted to play [Harmison] anyway because I think he could be that bowler that could put the Australians under a bit of pressure." A decision is to be made on Flintoff later today.

Vaughan admits he has been surprised by Australia and impressed by their performance as a unit. "I saw a lot of positives from the Australian side; they were very, very good," he said. "I didn't think they would be as good as before. They don't have the 'X-Factor' players that they did before. But what they do possess is a fantastic unit.

"I watched them for two or three days, they are very committed, as you would expect the Aussies to be. They'll be very tough for us to beat. We just have to make sure we play that bit better, get runs on the board, get hundreds and make them big."

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